Living in France and Shopping in Paris

Summary: Learning the grocery shopping ropes in Paris – how to live in France in Paris and shop like a Parisian!

Do you long to live among the sights, sounds and incredible attractions of Paris?  Does the hustle and bustle of this fascinating and huge city call to you and make the idea of living in France seem like the only option for you?  If so, you’re going to find many other expatriates from countries all over the world who are living the same dream as you.  Paris just has that irresistible lure.  And just like all of the international expats who have arrived before you, at some point you will have to come down from ‘cloud nine’ and learn to navigate around massive metropolis to find the more important things in life – namely groceries!

Okay, we admit this doesn’t sound as glamorous as it could, but it’s a simple fact of life.  Living in France and shopping in Paris maybe conjures up ideas of boutique hopping or buying up designer labels but to live in Paris, you’ll have to learn to shop like the Parisians – all in all that’s quite a tasty undertaking though…

If you’re an American and you believe that the only markets in Paris are open-air locations where you’ll only find a quarter of the food items found in stateside stores, think again.  Paris isn’t world famous for shopping opportunities for nothing!

The rules of the road might be different for Americans, but the options largely are similar.  Britons will find the process a little more familiar, but the Parisian landscape – even on the food front – could take some getting used to.

In general you’re going to find there are a few main types of stores to purchase your groceries from while living in France and hanging your hat in Paris.  The city is home to a variety of hypermarches and supermarches, which Americans might equate to their Super Wal-Marts and Targets and regular chain grocery stores.  Also found on the Parisian landscape are a number of specialty shops, open-air markets, food importers and more.  If it’s sold anywhere in the world and it can be imported, chances are you’re going to find it in Paris.

The shopping routine in Parisian supermarkets is a bit different than many are used to – especially American expats.  For example, vegetables and fruits will likely need to be weighed before going to the checkouts – and if you forget and get to the front of the queue with your un-weighed produce don’t expect a friendly reception!  Also, count on having to pay a deposit for the use of a grocery trolley.  (Don’t worry; it’s refundable once the trolley is returned!) It’s a good idea to be prepared to bag up your own groceries, too, but home delivery service is offered in most major locations, so toting the bags home is easy.

Beyond the more commercialised food stores Parisians are also fortunate enough to have a number of open-air markets, food importers and specialty shops.  From fresh-baked breads and cheese stores to farmer’s markets that run several days a week, you’re likely to find many of these right within the boundaries of your own Parisian neighborhood.

While stories abound of expatriates living in France having trouble finding outlets to purchase all their foodstuffs at once, this is not an issue in Paris.  With full-service groceries and incredible small retailers, eating incredibly well at home is not going to be a problem in this stunning French city.  Learning the ropes of shopping might take a trip or two though – but what a fun way to spend half a day!

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